buffie Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 This is the BHWT response to the many emails we've received about hen jumpers The BHWT does not usually recommend knitted jumpers for hens in cold weather. Although a lovely idea, the jumpers can sometimes cause the birds to get entangled leading to possible injury, especially if the knit is loose. However, they can be useful if the bird is unable to move around, perhaps through injury, and extra warmth is needed. Our general advice on keeping threadbare hens warm in winter is to keep them well protected from the wind and wet by providing not just a good hen house, but also storm shelter outside the hen house. The cold weather itself will stimulate the bird into feather production and a vitamin and mineral supplement like Poultry Spice or Life Guard will also encourage new feather growth. If a bird is completely featherless, heat lamp facilities should be provided until feathers appear. Other tips include giving the birds regular access to warm water and ensuring they have good deep bedding. The residents of the elderly ladies’ home had already knitted some jumpers for the hens and as a result we did not want to disappoint their kind gesture. It is really encouraging that people are starting to view hens as sentient creatures so worthy of our care. Thanks for your support of BHWT. Buffie x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
